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ASSOCIATED PRESS
A catch of fish was unloaded, Feb. 2, from a commercial fishing boat at Pier 38 in Honolulu. A bill would require fishing boat owners who want a commercial license to provide to the state a copy of the employment contracts with every fisherman before the license is granted.
State lawmakers are calling for more oversight of the commercial fishing industry after an Associated Press investigation found hundreds of foreign fishermen confined to boats and some living in subpar conditions.
A bill would require fishing boat owners who want a commercial license to provide to the state a copy of the employment contracts with every fisherman before the license is granted.
The fishing industry is pushing back, saying it’s already highly regulated by the federal government. The industry also initiated a universal contract to be signed by crew members and boat owners.
Rep. Kaniela Ing says the universal contract and the idea of the industry policing itself are not enough.
Ing’s bill is being heard in the House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs today.
This is probably just a ruse to tax them more including the foreign workers. The State and City want more blood money.
JMV371, have you read all the stories concerning these fishermen and how they are basically treated as slaves? They are paid unfair wages, confined to the ship and live in almost inhumane manner. Have little or no rights due to Visa blockage when in ports and in most cases cannot even get off the ship.
There is so much more than a taxation plan. I would ask you to read into the horrible conditions these men are left with, yet, usually stuck in the middle of red-tape and government policies and may never get the proper working conditions, pay and rights they deserve.